we?’
‘You said so.’
‘I think that was your idea.’ Fern came to the kitchen doorway, propping herself against the frame. ‘Last time you both nearly got killed. That’s not going to happen again. I can protect myself, but I can’t always protect you, so you must—you must promise—to do exactly what I say, and stay out of trouble. I don’t like the sound of this witch. I didn’t fully understand what he meant when Skuldunder said she opened the abyss, but I do now. You must promise me—’
‘No,’ said Gaynor, baldly. ‘I mean, I could say it, but it wouldn’t be true, and anyway, you haven’t the right. I may not be Gifted like you but that doesn’t mean you can control me, or exclude me. Or Will. I got involved last time because you were in denial, and now I’m involved for good. You can’t change that.’ She spoke in a hurry, determined to get the words out before Fern could interrupt or she lost her nerve.
After a minute the set look that was becoming habitual to Fern relaxed. ‘Sorry,’ she said unexpectedly. ‘I’ve been a control freak from childhood. Years of managing Dad. Just…be careful this time. No rushing off into the dragon’s den. Please.’
‘No fear,’ said Gaynor with an uncertain smile.
Fern returned to the kettle, reemerging presently with two mugs of tea, both overfull. As she set them down the contents of the left one splashed over the rim. ‘Damn,’ she said. ‘Not again.’ She sucked at the injury, then lowered her hand, extending it until it was directly under the lamplight. ‘Gaynor…’ The scald-mark faded even as she watched, leaving her skin unblemished. There was no other burn to be seen.
‘What did you do?’ Gaynor demanded. ‘Is it more magic?’
‘Maybe,’ said Fern, ‘but not mine.’ There was a long moment while recollection and doubt turned over in her mind. ‘This happened before…when I set fire to Morgus. My hand was burned. Kal made me dip it in the river…’
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